Flying itinerary, one way or round trip?

[280rem]

I’ve always booked round trip flights to Alaska but then run into too much or too little time on the back end. Was considering booking one way then booking return when I’m done and ready to come home. It still seems like it would be cheaper in the long run to book round trip then mess with ticket changes later if need be. Anyone with any experience here that can offer any thoughts on this?

 

[wildwilderness]

Domestic flights it usually costs the same to book 2 one way flights.

International it is still cheaper to a book round trip ticket.

Going to Alaska I haven’t had issues changing flights. I will book 2 different one ways just to get a better price or better times, not uncommon to use different airlines

 

[PORK]

I travel a lot for work and no doubt in my experience flights are cheaper here in alaska when I purchase a round trip ticket. Currently I only purchase one way tickets but usually price it out round trip too. Last week it would have been 640 if I bought a round trip ticket. Instead I bought a one way for 350 including fees and I bought a return ticket 3 days later the morning of the flight for 415.00.

I’ve never had a flight in state be cheaper or the same price that buying a round trip ticket. The issue is if you’re booking a trip a few months out and price it out both ways it appears to be close to the same price. But the prices change and in my experience the price goes up the closer to the flight.

I don’t see the problem booking a return if you come up from the lower 48, it’s typically very easy to get on an earlier flight home for little to no $. I’ve found no consistency with airlines on whether they charge or not to move the flight up. I suspect it varies based on your mileage plan number etc.

 

[roadrunner]

Always leave yourself with a way to get home.

Buy the ticket that allows for flight changes with no extra charge.

 

[Loper]

If you have the time and don’t need to fly home at a designated time, I would just buy a one way ticket to Alaska and leave when you want. This would allow you as much time as needed to harvest an animal, as well as not be stressed to get everything prepped before a flight back.

I would not worry about the price difference between one way and round trip ticket. If you finish your hunt earlier than expected then you could save money flying home early since you wouldn’t need to pay for more hotel nights in town.

 

[CLP]

I agree with Loper. I always buy a one way ticket and then secure my return flight home when I get back to anchorage. By the time I pay the difference in flight fees (no change fees), the net difference between two one way versus round trip is close to a moot point.